Reference and recommendation letters are written by sorority alumnae members and introduce a potential new member to the chapter and describe more about thepotential new member's activities and interests. You may choose to have reference or recommendation letters sent on your behalf to each sorority chapter and we encourage all potential new members to participate in this process.

Two ways to obtain a reference or recommendation

Register with your local Alumnae Panhellenic - This option provides an opportunity to get assistance with obtaining reference letters, possibly meet local area sorority alumnae and attend a recruitment information session. The registration form you complete for your local alumnae panhellenic will be very similar to the University Panhellenic Council form. Contact information for the local alumnae panhellenic representative nearest you is available online. If your town or city is not listed, consider contacting the nearest university campus with sororities and inquire. Most Alumnae Panhellenic Associations begin collecting registration forms in early spring, therefore you are advised to complete this part of the process as soon as possible.

You may seek out and obtain sorority alumnae to write letters on your behalf - This option is completely acceptable and in some cases may allow you more control over the process. Many potential new members have been successful using their network in their town or city and while you may not have alumnae for every chapter in your area, do your best and realize that any information the chapter might gather about you in advance will help you stand out. You should initiate the request, however, the alumna writing the reference is solely responsible for obtaining the appropriate form from her national organization, completing the form and mailing it to the correct destination. You should not be involved in that process.

Once an alumna has offered or been asked to write a reference, she may request some information from you. The standard information to provide would be a resume of activities and interests, a picture of yourself that is clear and recognizable, and some may request your transcript.

Reference and recommendation letters do not guarantee a bid for membership, however they will help the chapters to know a little about you in advance. Many of our sororities require a reference from an alumna member of their sorority before a woman can join, however they are not essential for every sorority. Every year we have women participate in recruitment that did not have a recommendation prior to the start of recruitment. If a chapter is interested in you becoming a member, they are well equipped to secure what they need to invite you to the next round or extend a bid to membership. All letters are mailed directly to the chapter house address.